New York city that never sleeps – is the perfect destination for city lovers, those fascinated about culture and history, and the young and young at heart. From the neon lights of Times Square, to the vast green expanse of Central Park, to the artistic charm of its museums, New York City is one of the world’s most loved destination. This guide will help you find the best time of year to visit, and provide tips on how to see the city’s most popular sights in a smart way.
Best Time to Visit New York City
The best time for visiting New York City, which is an all-year destination, varies depending on your interests, but there are definitely times to avoid.
March to June: spring is the best time for a trip to NYC, with warm temperatures that sit between the 50s to the 70s (°F). The city’s parks, like Central Park and Brooklyn Botanic Garden, bloom with cherry blossoms and burst into greenery. Spring is ideal if you’re looking to go on a walking tour or get out into nature, and avoids the huge summer crowds.
Fall (September to November): Fall is my favourite season in New York City. The weather is crisp and cool and very nice for walking around the city’s historic neighbourhoods. During fall, Central Park is painted beautiful by the fall foliage and a host of Halloween street parties in Greenwich Village and the Thanksgiving Day Parade draw crowds.
Summer (June to August): The tourist season brings heat and humidity, with temperatures hitting into the 80s and 90s, with larger crowds. But there are lots of free events, including concerts in Central Park, outdoor movies, and festivals. If you go, expect stickiness, but also fun, and lots of crowds.
Winter (December to February): Winter in the city has a different vibe. Nothing quite beats ice skating in Bryant Park and admiring the Rockefeller Christmas tree or the decorations on 5th Avenue, although the cold temperatures (the 20s to 40s) mean that winter in NYC can get chillingly cold, and flurries and snow are not uncommon. If you love winter festivities and like fewer tourists, January and February are your quieter months and some great hotel deals can be had.
Must-See Attractions and How to Explore Them
New York City is huge, with so much to see and do. Remember to plan your visit carefully, so that you can fit in as much as you can. Here are a few of the top destinations, and some tips on making the most of your visit.
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island One of America’s most famous emblems of freedom is the Statue of Liberty. Hop a ferry from Battery Park on the southern tip of Manhattan Island to Liberty Island for a tour of the statue and museum. Your ferry ticket here entitles you to also tour Ellis Island, where 12 million immigrants passed through in the early 1900s. Tip: Reserve tickets in advance, especially to visit the crown or pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. The earlier the better to avoid crowds.
- Central Park, this enormous place, is full of green trees and suitable for people who live in the metropolis and want relief from noise and city streets. The park is 843 acres in size: it definitely something you should visit.There are a lot of things to do here, for example, boating on the lake, as well as visiting the Central Park Zoo. Moreover, you can simply walk and enjoy the view, and in that case you could also do jogging. Rent a bike if you can, as you’ll move much faster and won’t miss Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, or Strawberry Fields.
- Times Square The area around the Theatre District called Times Square is the centre of town where hordes of tourists are attracted by the flashing billboards and the hustle and bustle. The area is best seen at night, but you can still get a good sense of it if you go in the daytime when it is less crowded. Tip: To avoid huge crowds, start early in the morning or go mid-afternoon during the week. You’ll also be able to take photos without fighting over space with crowds of tourists.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art The Met is one of the biggest and most prestigious museums on the planet, housing more than 5,000 years of art. It boasts ancient artefacts and modern masterpieces. PRO TIP To avoid exhaustion or overwhelm in a museum setting, choose a single exhibit or section that is of interest to you. Consider taking a guided tour, or use the museum’s app as your guide.
- Empire State Building or One World Observatory For sweeping views of the city, take the elevators up to the observation decks at the Empire State Building or One World Trade Center. One World Observatory is also typically less crowded than its southern counterpart. Tip: Arrive right before sunset, so you can stay and watch the city transform from day into night. Purchase advanced tickets to skip the line.
- Broadway Shows You cannot really visit New York City without trying to catch a Broadway show.There’s so many productions that are redone again and again, such as The Lion King. But there are also new ones, such as Hamilton. Top Tip: If you’re flexible about what to see, head to the discount TKTS booth in Times Square for day-of tickets to shows. Or, book online if you want to guarantee seats at a sold-out show.
- Brooklyn Bridge Walking on the Brooklyn Bridge is possibly the best way to admire the city’s skyline: the pedestrian walkway crosses the bridge stretching from Manhattan to Brooklyn, and the panoramic views offer an impressive backdrop for memorable photographs. Top Tip: Get there early in the morning or later in the afternoon for fewer crowds and better photo conditions.
Getting Around the New York City
The best way to get around New York City is by using the extensive subway system. Purchase a 7-day unlimited MetroCard to ride all over the city without having to worry about the cost. Walking also is an option to get around some areas in the city. You can take your time to enjoy Greenwich Village, SoHo and the Financial District.
Taxis (hail them on the street or order one through a phone app) and generic ride-share apps such as Uber and Lyft are convenient but can be slow when traffic is bad. Ferries run up and down the East River, providing a slower but very different perspective on Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Statue of Liberty.
Final Thoughts
New York City is the vacation spot for the seasons, rain or shine. There’s something to do for everyone, whether you’re in the heart of the hustle or north of the city. Whether you’ve visited before or this is your first time in New York, you’ll never forget the culture.